Sofia is one of the few European capitals built literally on top of mineral springs. Roman Serdica grew around the hot water in today's centre, and the Central Mineral Bath, opened in 1913, is still a symbol of the city — even though it is now a museum. The good news is that within an hour or two of the capital there are enough working baths to try a different one every weekend.

In Sofia itself

Within the city limits the best known are Bankya, Pancharevo and Zheleznitsa. Bankya is a resort town of its own with parks, and the bath makes for an easy, relaxed afternoon. Pancharevo is by the lake — combine the bath with a walk or a bike ride along the water. Zheleznitsa sits below Vitosha and is a good idea after a hike in the mountain.

Many of the old neighbourhood baths — in Knyazhevo, Gorna Banya, Ovcha Kupel and elsewhere — are closed today. Some are being repaired, so keep an eye on their pages: once they open, you will see it on the site.

Within an hour and a half

To the south, towards Rila, are the Belchin mineral baths, Dolna Banya and Kostenets. To the west is Kyustendil with Chifte Banya and Alay Banya — one of the most atmospheric towns for bathing in Bulgaria — and Sapareva Banya with its geyser. To the east, in the Sredna Gora and the Plovdiv area, are the baths around Panagyurishte and Strelcha, and a little further, Hisarya and Velingrad.

Working baths within 120 km of central Sofia

The list below sorts itself by distance (in a straight line) and includes only baths that work according to our data. Open a bath to see today's hours and whether it is for men or for women.

To see which of them are open right now and how quickly you can get there, open Now!.